How Difficult Is It to Obtain a 189 Visa in Australia in 2025?

Are you looking forward to applying for the 189 Visa in Australia this year? If yes, then you must wonder about the challenges that you may face during the process of submitting an application and receiving an invitation. It is tough to obtain an Australian visa, but with the right preparation and arrangements, you can achieve it amidst the immense competition.

What Is a 189 Visa?

189 subclass visa Australia is a medium that allows skilled individuals to permanently live and work in the country without any sponsor. It is a point-based visa for which you will have to fulfil the requirements set by the government of Australia.

The minimum points you need to score to apply for the 189 visa is 65; however, the higher you score, the higher your chances of obtaining it.

Also Read: 189 Visa Processing Time: Your Quick Guide

189 Visa Australia Requirements in 2025

There are some basic requirements to become eligible for the visa subclass 189 in Australia:

• You must be under 45 years of age.
• Must have competent English language skills.
• You must have a skilled occupation.
• Must have at least two years of experience in the occupation.
• Must pass the medical and character checks.
• Meet the point requirements.

How Does the Australia 189 Visa Points System Work?

Having the minimum points makes you eligible to receive an invitation to apply for the 189 pr visa Australia. There are several factors that enable you to increase the points over time while living and working in your country. Some of the important ones are:

• Age: If your age ranges between 25-32, there are higher chances for you to receive maximum points because there is a set age limit for the 189 subclass visa Australia application

• English Proficiency: Passing IELTS and PTE with good grades increases the chances of adding higher points.

• Work Experience: You are awarded points for your experience in the skilled occupation, whether you are working in Australia or overseas.

• Higher Education: Having a bachelor’s, postgraduate, master’s, or any other higher degree can help you secure more 189 australian visa points.

Although the minimum of 65 points enables you to become eligible for a visa 189 application, you must try to score more to increase the chances of receiving an invitation.

Also Read: Skills in Demand Visa Australia: All You Need to Know

Why Is It Difficult To Get a 189 Visa in Australia?

In 2025, it is predicted that getting an Australia skilled independent visa subclass 189 can be quite challenging because of the changes made by the government. Since the immigration policies have been revised this year, the applicants may have to struggle even if their points meet the minimum requirement.

Some of the significant challenges that the applicants may have to face while applying for a permanent Australian visa are:

• Increased Points Requirements: The competition for acquiring a 189 Visa in Australia has gotten more competitive in 2025 because of the high demand for skilled workers and the increased number of applications. The points are also significantly high above the minimum requirement, which has put the immigration consultant Adelaide in a tough spot.

• Processing Time: You might have to wait for more than a year even if you apply for the 189 visa today. This is because the current processing time for a skilled independent visa is 17 months. Additionally, it is not guaranteed that you will receive the invitation as the number of applicants is increasing every day.

• Change In Occupation List: The Australian government is regularly changing the occupation list according to the labor market needs. So, if your skilled occupation is removed from the list or has too many applications, it might be difficult for you to obtain the visa.

Also Read: Understanding 186 Visa Processing Time: Everything You Need to Know

Tips To Increase Your Chance of Acquiring a Skilled Independent Visa Australia

Even if there are many challenges on your way to obtaining a 189 visa in Australia, you can still make efforts to improve your chances. Following the 189 visa checklist and a few tips that are mentioned below can help you get an invitation to permanently live and work in Australia.

• Enhance your skills: You can increase your points by gaining additional qualifications/degrees that are highly recognised and in demand in Australia.

• Improve English proficiency: When appearing for English tests, you must try to score band 7 or higher to increase your chances for a 189 visa invitation.

• Gain relevant work experience: Try to acquire at least three years of work experience in your nominated occupation to gain more points.

• Consider state sponsorship: If it is challenging for you to meet the points requirement for the 189 subclass visa Australia, then you can consider state sponsorship visas as they hold a lower threshold.

• Seek professional advice: Book an appointment with a professional visa agent Adelaide to ensure that your application is strong and complete, so it can help to get you an invitation.

189 Australia Visa: Current Statistics And Trends

• More than 100,000 people from all over the world apply for the 189 visa in Australia every year, and it is significantly increasing annually.
• There is a labor shortage across various industries in Australia, and the government is trying to fulfill the vacant positions every year.
• Applicants between 25-32 years of age have higher chances of getting a permanent visa because they are young, energetic, and have a fresh perspective.

Latest Post: What Is The Minimum Points Requirement For Australia PR Eligibility?

Final Thoughts

So, is it hard to obtain a 189 visa in Australia? Yes, it is quite challenging and a bit hard to get an invitation for a visa because of the increased number of applications and changes in immigration policies. Although it is tough to get a permanent visa for living and working in Australia, it can be acquired by scoring higher points. For any problems related to visa application, processing, and receiving, you must consult a visa agent Adelaide for professional assistance.

FAQ

Is 75 points enough for a 189 visa?

Although 75 points is above the minimum 65-point threshold for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), it may not be sufficient to receive an invitation due to strong competition. Offshore applicants, in particular, face lower chances as recent invitation rounds often favour candidates with 85 points or higher. However, 75 points could still be competitive for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), depending on state demand and your occupation. It’s advisable to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for both visas to maximise your chances.

When will be the next 189 invitation round?

The next 189 visa invitation round is expected to take place before December 2025, as the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that invitation rounds will be held quarterly during the 2025–26 program year.

• Next round: Expected before December 2025.

• Frequency: Rounds will occur every quarter.

• Most recent round: Held on August 21, 2025.

• Official updates: The Department will announce detailed results and invited occupations once the round is completed.